FONAFIFO

The main objective of the Geographic Information System is to support FONAFIFO's different Areas of Action in the preparation and interpretation of data, maps and information to facilitate the decision-making and planning tasks.

Basically, the SIG is a combination of hardware, software and trained staff, which is used to handle information that is defined from a spatial point of view (using coordinates) and facilitates its location on the earth’s surface.

Upon the completion of the Forest Cover Map, which was prepared by CIEDES and the Tropical Science Center from 1996 to 1997, the SIG was instituted in FONAFIFO. The main purpose of implementing it was to locate ESPP contracts, as well as to prepare maps to identify priority areas for the investment of resources and make the entire Program reliable.

Over time, the SIG has been used to provide additional support to FONAFIFO's Regional Offices and other institutions, such as MINAE, SINAC, and NGOs.

The SIG includes equipment such as: Global Positioning System, or GPS (used for coordiante-based location); a digitizer board (to convert printed data from maps and plans into digital format); a wide-format printer for maps; a scanner (accessory to capture images); telemeters (equipment to measure horizontal distances); compass (to determine directions); clinometer (equipment to determine the slope of lands); digital cameras (photographic equipment), among others.

Through a series of institutional agreements, generation of information, purchase or exchange of databases, FONAFIFO has access to spatial data, such as: roads, forest cover, protected areas, life zones, contour lines, human settlements, aquifers, wells and rural water systems, biological corridors and settlements of the Agrarian Development Institute (IDA, acronym in Spanish), etc.

The following are some of the results obtained :

Partial localization of coordinates corresponding to 1998-2002 ESPP contracts; complete localization of 2003-2004 contracts. Mapping of priority areas to target ESPP resources. Through cooperation agreements, the monitoring of ESPP contracts is carried out in various Conservation Areas, based on the location per coordinates, aerial photographs and, in some cases, on field data collection. Preparation of a Forest Cover Map for 1996/1997, through CIEDES and the Tropical Science Center. Preparation of Forest Cover Map for 2000, through the University of Alberta in Canada and the Tropical Science Center. Preparation of maps to obtain resources for the Environmental Services Certificate (ESC), the KfW project and other funding sources. Cooperation in the Costa Rica 's Kyoto land mapping for 1999/2000	S I G

Some of the maps hereinabove indicated are as follows:

Some links are:

Maps of Costa Rica : http://www.eosl.eas.ualberta.ca/cms/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=6 Satellite Images: http://www.eosl.eas.ualberta.ca/imagery/costaricaimagery.asp	L I N K S

The Integrated Project Management System (IPMS) is a coordinated system of administrative and computerized elements for processing ESPP contracts implemented by FONAFIFO through the Environmental Services Payment Program (ESPP) and the Environmental Services Certificates (CES).

The IPMS is a very useful tool for directors, medium level staff, operation personnel and financing entities; the System is based on administrative, financial, computer and telematic standards and the best practices used in the administration of national and international projects.

The IPMS’s Vision includes “projects executed and administered with efficiency, efficacy and economy, with positive impact on the countries' social and economic development".

IPMS’s Mission is: "to be a regulatory, organizational and information instrument that supports the efficient and effective execution of institutional programs and projects".

Basically, the IPMS includes the following modules: General Planning, Procurement and Contracts, Financial Administration, Monitoring of Work Progress, Evaluation of Results and the Environmental Services Payment System; these modules are operated in FONAFIFO's Central Offices by personnel with administrative and technical experience. The Pre-application Module, which is linked to the ESPP Module, is accessed by the staff of FONAFIFO's Regional Offices to input the basic information (the applicants/ land data that will be subject to the ESPP) and begin the process to join the ESPP Program and continue with the process on line until the respective payment is generated.

The purpose of each module is described, in general, as follows:

Contracts: promote and control that project contracts and procurements are implemented in a timely manner, in compliance with the expected quality, at reasonable prices, through efficient, effective and transparent processes. Treasury: provide efficient cash flow for project funds, according to the Execution Plans and requirements of the financing entities. Accounting: Generates useful information on the financial execution of the Projects Fixed Assets: provide control of the assets purchased. Monitoring and Evaluation of Results: facilitate the timely identification of achievements, non-compliances, risks, weaknesses and corrective actions in the physical and financial execution of the Projects, to improve their results. Planning and Budgets: facilitate the rational and timely preparation of plans and budgets for the execution, follow-up and quantitative assessment of projects’ physical and financial results. Environmental Services Payment System: facilitate the input of data pertaining to ESPP contracts, processing of payments and monitoring of areas subject to the ESPP Program.	M O D U L E

The main advantages and achievements of implementing the IPMS are:

Information available on the main characteristics of beneficiaries, properties, specified by ledgers, ownership and contracts related to these properties. Exercises control over the validity and eligibility of the properties to avoid overpayments. Supports FONAFIFO's Legal Department to facilitate the decision-making process. Keeps historical records of contracts that have been modified and terminated. Enters the data of 3,870 ESPP contracts. Document the demand to join the ESPP Program. On-line evaluation of pre-applications by the Regional Offices and FONAFIFO External Notaries. Keeps accounting records of the movements made in the ESPP contracts. The Consultation Module facilitates the flow of information about ESPP contracts.	I M P L E M E N T A T I O N S